Footballers in tears as coach dies in the middle of game
The manager had just assumed leadership of FK Radnicki 1923 last month
Athletes collapsed on the field in tears as they learned of their head coach's demise throughout a contest in Serbia's top flight
FK Radnicki 1923 coach Mladen Zizovic fell suddenly and was given medical attention beside the field before being transported to medical facilities during his side's game at Mladost Lucani on Monday
The Serbian SuperLiga match proceeded but was abandoned just prior to the break when information of the manager's demise arrived at the stadium
Video of the match showed team members and personnel from each team in emotional pain at the development
The former Bosnian international player, 44, was just named leader of his team on October 23rd
"The team has lost not only a outstanding specialist but primarily a wonderful human being, a friend, and a sportsman who, with his expertise, vitality and nobility has created lasting memories on the souls of all who knew him"
The country's soccer authority said its "football community has suffered the loss of an additional dedicated sports professional" with his passing
"During his rich playing career, Zizovic played for numerous clubs in the top division of the country, especially his former club, FK Radnik Bijeljina and FK Borac Banja Luka, and he furthermore played in the jersey of the national squad"
"After ending his professional playing days, he dedicated himself to training, directing teams in Bosnia and Herzegovina and surrounding countries"
"His untimely passing represents a major setback for the country's soccer"
"The passion for soccer and the mark you left will stay in our memories permanently"
Prominent teams also paid tribute, including the famous club, who conveyed their "deepest condolences"
